On January 8th, Mike swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; [to] bear true faith and allegiance to the same; [to] obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over him, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
He joined the army. His official title is Electronic Warfare Signal Intelligence Recruit.
Arriving at this point has been a long, interesting, frustrating, difficult and spiritual experience. While Mike and I were dating, I remember him expressing interest in the army, though never very seriously. More in a “this would be cool” kinda way. I didn’t think about it much.
However, in the following years the army kept popping back up: in conversation with buddies, in school lessons, in casual discussions about our future. It always interested Mike. As his wife I hoped it would go away, because honestly, we’re in the middle of a war and the thought of deployment is scary. He knew this, and looked into many alternatives, all of which brought dead-ends.
Eventually I had to acknowledge that his little expressions of interest had grown more serious. Trying to be supportive, I told him we’d “look into it”, gather some information, and pray about it—which we proceeded to do.
It seems that everyone has an opinion when it comes to the army. We were warned and advised in one direction or another for months. We listened. Took it in. Pondered it. Felt excited, but then discouraged, fearful, and nervous. Finally, in a moment of tears and confusion, I realized that it was time for me to plug my ears. I couldn’t listen to anymore. We know all the risks. We know that the family will be separated for a time. We know that it will be hard. But when we looked at each other and really stopped to listen—we felt peace.
So, we began the paperwork, including several tests.
Mike passed the general admittance exam with an extremely high score (meaning his job options were plentiful). I felt that familiar nudge at my heart, revealing this was no coincidence.
He watched his weight closely and on the day of his weigh-in, he weighed six pounds under the limit for admittance. (Coincidence?).
He was offered a position in Military Intelligence with a High Security Clearance, which required another test. It was ridiculously hard. He passed. Barely. (another door open. Another sign of divine intervention.)
This process has felt like the decision of what college to attend. Who to marry. What major to study. When to start having children.
It Just. Felt. Right.
This is quite possibly the best opportunity for training Mike could get and will potentially open many doors for us. For the next five years—I’ll be an army wife. Who’da thunk? Not me.
Mike ships out in late April. Until then, I might be a little clingy. I love my man and am so proud of him.
We’ll be joining him in Monterey, California in August or September (hopefully).
“A Soldier in the U.S. Army is the embodiment of physical strength, emotional strength and strength of purpose. As a Soldier, you will be prepared to serve our country whenever and wherever you are needed, combat-ready at all times, trained to counter any threat, anywhere.” http://www.goarmy.com/about.html
The Baby in the car spit-up and pooped-out
The Daddy in the car went, “Aargh! Dirty windshield!”